A German "Bauernfruehstueck", Farmer's Breakfast, has many variations but is basically a large hash of potatoes, ham or bacon and onions, which, especially in the colder months, not only makes a delicious and popular addition to a breakfast table but at any time of the day.

Almabtrieb, ceremonial mountain cattle drives, have been part of farming life in Europe's alpine regions for centuries. During summer's last days and the beginning of autumn, processions of beautifully decorated cows create cow bell symphonies as they return to the valleys from alpine pastures.

Chestnuts are among many things that the Romans introduced to "Germania", and during fall and winter they are a favorite for "Food Foraging". Used as a base for many traditional German dishes one of the most popular is Chestnut Soup, with variations that range from simple to the exotic.

Chestnut Jam, Kastanien Konfitur, is a popular seasonal recipe produced in Germany's kitchens from foraged nuts. The Romans brought chestnuts to Germania as they conquered the region, so during fall and winter they are found throughout the country, and the delicious jam is one of many recipes.

German Americans make up almost 25 percent of the US population. It was 1608 when the first immigrants arrived, with those following mainly hoping to improve on the way their life had been "at home", and their work and lives have had an effect not only in America but worldwide.

German Unity Day, "Tag der Deutsche Einheit", an annual celebration held on October 3, commemorating the day in 1990 when the German Democratic Republic, East Germany, officially became part of the Federal Republic of Germany. After 40 years, 1949 - 1989, as a separate, and second, Germany.

German Gingerbread Spice, Lebkuchengewuerz, is one of those versatile store cupboard staples which can be used for many things throughout the year. From flavoring pumpkin pie, hot chocolate or yoghurt with apple, to the gingerbread for witches cottages, cookies and hearts.

Oktoberfest in Munich: The super sized version of a traditional Bavarian harvest festival, and heart shaped gingerbread cookies decorated with mottoes are an unmissable part of its calorific food, and a 'sweet' accompaniment to 'Wiesn-Mass', Oktoberfest beer.

It's "Oktoberfest" although most of it takes place in September, an "Angel" on hiatus from heaven attends every year, one Mayor opened it shouting "I'zapt os" instead of "O'zapft is", (it's tapped), and that was before any beer was consumed. Oktoberfest Fun Facts.

Germany deserves its reputation as one of the world's best kept countries, with regular Cleaning Attacks, "Putzanfall", common and even "enjoyable". Cleaning companies across the globe advertise as "German House Cleaning", an image reflected in real life even in the laid back 21st century.